Last updated: 2026-10-10
2022 Lincoln Aviator Reliability Report
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator has a good reliability standing, but owners report engine stalling, backup camera failures and roof leaks.
Recalls
21
Complaints
43
Complaint Rate
19.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$807
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack among Aviator years, with 21 recalls and owner reports of stalling, backup camera blackouts and roof leaks.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the Second generation (U611).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2025.
- 2nd generation Aviator (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: Second generation (U611) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 3 of the Second generation (U611).
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
Reliability standing is good, though this year falls below average among 2022 SUVs and lands in the middle of the six scored Aviator years. The 2021 rates about the same. The 2023 rates better and has fewer complaints. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars, and independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at about $807 across the model.
Stalling is the most serious complaint. The engine can quit while moving, including on highway on-ramps and at around 50 mph, often with no warning light. Backup camera images can fail or the screen can go black, and some owners report low-speed collisions while reversing. Roof leaks bring water stains, rust stains on the headliner and a moldy smell. A high-voltage alert can shut the vehicle down until it is towed. Several owners got recall notices and then waited because dealers had no parts.
Ask for records showing the fuel system and backup camera recall repairs were done. Check the headliner for stains and the cabin for a musty smell. A 2023 is worth pricing as an alternative.
Compared to the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2021 Lincoln Aviator for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
- +Only 43 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (6 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2022 Lincoln Aviator With
2022 Acura MDX
Reliability: 73/100
2022 Audi Q7
Reliability: 67/100
2022 BMW X5
Reliability: 67/100
2022 Volvo XC90
Reliability: 72/100
2022 Lexus RX
Reliability: 90/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 21 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
21
recalls on record
The 2022 Lincoln Aviator has 21 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
19.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Recall Details
21 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Lincoln Aviator. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Consequence
A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
SEAT BELTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Consequence
A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Showing 10 of 21 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
Buying a used 2022 Lincoln Aviator? Check its history first
Structure problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Lincoln Aviator, and 21 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Lincoln Aviator NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Lincoln AviatorRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$807
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Running cost: $3,650–$3,800/yr
Fuel + repair
17–18 city / 24–26 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
23 MPG
Running cost: $3,400/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 25 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator RWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Aviator AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviator PHEV AWD 3.0L 6-cyl | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Lincoln Aviator.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the backup camera image appears every time without the screen going dark.
Restart the car a few times and confirm the center display loads with working defrost controls.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and ask the dealer for proof that open recall repairs are done.
Inspect the headliner near the rearview mirror for water or rust stains, and check for musty air from the vents.
Drive at highway speed and listen for wind noise or rattles from the front passenger side.
Shift from park to reverse and back several times, feeling for delayed engagement or hard jolts.
Check the liftgate and rear door trim for loose pieces, gaps, or missing clips.
Spray the windshield and confirm the automatic wipers clear it fully at each stalk setting.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Common Problems by Component
43 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsRoof leaks are the most common report. Owners hear water rushing overhead, find water stains and later rust stains on the headliner, and smell mold through the vents, with one case near 20,000 miles. Exterior trim on the liftgate and rear doors can come loose or fall off while driving because the clips break, in one case at very low mileage. Wind noise from the front passenger side at highway speed is hard for dealers to reproduce. One owner reports the hood popping up to its first catch after a bump.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsA high-voltage alert can shut the vehicle down and lock it up, leaving it undrivable until it is towed, and the problem can recur. A door-ajar warning can stay on with every door shut, which keeps the dome lights lit and stops the doors from locking, even after repeat dealer visits. One injury report describes the kick-sensor power tailgate closing on a person without stopping. Other complaints describe a center screen that never dims at night, ABS lockup on slopes, and a roof leak near the rearview mirror.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsThe center display can go dark, taking the backup camera view and the defrost controls with it, and fogged windows have followed in rain. One owner reports dozens of dealer visits with the display still not fixed. Wind and rattle noise from the passenger side can continue after a pillar trim repair. Autosense wipers fail to clear the windshield, and owners say a protective film was left on the rain sensor. A Lincoln Way app update cut off remote lock, start, and tire-pressure functions for some users.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe engine can stall while the car is moving, including on highway on-ramps and at around 50 mph. Sometimes it restarts and sometimes it needs a tow, and there is often no warning light. One stall happened at about 47,000 miles. Hesitation when pressing the accelerator also shows up, and dealers could not find a cause. Most of these complaints are about waiting on a recall: owners got notices, but dealers said the repair parts were not yet available.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (4 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
4 complaintsSafety-relatedThe backup camera image can fail to appear in reverse, or the whole screen goes black, so the driver has no rear view. These complaints include low-speed collisions while backing up, and one crash injured an occupant of the other vehicle. Owners also say the parking warning tone sounds only at or after impact. Some cameras fail again after being replaced. Several owners report getting a recall notice and then waiting because the dealer had no parts for the repair.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsThe Autosense wipers do not clear the windshield well enough to see at highway speed. Getting regular intermittent wiping means turning off auto wipers in the touchscreen menu while driving. Dealers often find no fault or stored codes. Some owners say a replaced rain sensor failed again within months. The rear camera can also mistake steady rain for an obstacle, which triggers collision avoidance and blocks reversing unless the driver switches that system off. One owner reports bumping a pedestrian while backing up.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsStalling at interstate speed is the main report, with partial loss of control as the driver coasts to the shoulder. In one case the car sat at the dealer for almost 5 months without a repair because technicians found nothing in the logs and were waiting on a pending fix. The other complaint says only that the remedy is not yet available. These reports center on stalls that stay unrepaired while owners wait.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe whole vehicle can lose electrical power while driving. The switches stop responding, the car can block the road, and it may need a tow, though it sometimes restarts on its own after a few minutes. The failure can happen more than once. Harsh shifting is the other complaint. The transmission slams into park with a jolt, and shifting from park to reverse can hesitate and then lurch backward with a burst of speed.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe airbags did not deploy in frontal collisions, including a hard head-on hit with a tree that broke the frame in two places. Both complaints here involve crashes, and one is also marked as fire-related. Responders and repair shops at the scene questioned why no airbag went off. This category has only two reports, but both describe a failure during a serious impact.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintWhile driving, there is a loss of fuel pressure at random. It has happened when stopped at traffic light and while driving on the freeway, the vehicle does not respond to the gas pedal being pressed. This is unsafe for myself and my passengers, as I cannot confidently change lanes as I never know when it will happen. The problem has been reported to the dealership, but no confirmation on their ability to reproduce this. It was announced as a recall issue 07/2025 but still not resolution. There are never any warning lights before this happens, so its always a surprise when it happens.
Best & Worst Lincoln Aviator Years
Best Lincoln Aviator Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
2022
(Current Model)
Lincoln Aviator Years to Avoid
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 68/100 | Good |
Lincoln Aviator Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Lincoln Aviator?
Does the 2022 Lincoln Aviator have stalling problems?
How many recalls does the 2022 Lincoln Aviator have?
Is the 2022 Lincoln Aviator better than the 2023?
Don’t buy a 2022 Lincoln Aviator without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2022 Lincoln Aviator
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Lincoln Aviator does best on how many systems draw complaints (79/100) and worst on recall impact (44/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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